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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.